Hundreds gather in Huntsville to celebrate Memorial Day

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Hundreds gathered Monday at various local cemeteries to remember those who lost their lives while serving in the military.

"Memorial Day is about remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice because remembering is what's important," said Dr. Art Walker, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran. "It's not about beaches or cookouts or retail sales."

Walker spoke during a Memorial Day service at Glenwood Cemetery where local Boy Scout troops hosted the ceremony. Along with such local leaders as Mayor Tommy Battle, state Rep. Laura Hall, D-Huntsville, and Huntsville school board President Topper Birney, the U.S. Army Materiel Command Band Brass Quintet played patriotic songs.

"Today is about saying thank you to the graves with flags," Walker said. "We owe them no less than our eternal gratitude."

Walker recounted his days in the Air Force and talked about what it meant to answer the call of duty.

"They went knowing the danger, the risk and the personal sacrifice to themselves and their families," Walker said. "They step up and they do their duty no matter the situation."

Across town, the feeling of remembrance was shared during a ceremony at Maple Hill Cemetery. People lined the cemetery streets wearing red, white and blue clothing and waving American flags. During both ceremonies, veterans stood as the bands played each military branch's song.

"Memorial Day is about men and women who gave everything for this country," said Mike Durant, a former U.S. Army veteran and local business owner. Durant was the only person to survive a mission in Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1993. After his helicopter crashed, he was captured and held as a prisoner of war.

"Everyone was killed at that crash site but me," he said. "Why, I don't know, but for that sacrifice, I'm eternally grateful."

At Maple Hill, the Hall family was honored for their sacrifice. Two years ago, Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Hall was killed in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb. He left behind his family, which included his wife, Allison, and their 11-month-old daughter.

Hall's parents, wife and now almost 3-year-old daughter sat in the background of the ceremony about 50 yards from Hall's grave site.

"It's amazing to know our country still stands by us," Allison Hall said.

Hall said being at Maple Hill Monday was a "weird" feeling.

"I feel proud and honored," she said. "The sacrifice he's given us makes us proud."

Hall, who relocated to California, said her daughter is a daily reminder of her husband.

"She's just like her daddy," Hall said. "Having her out here and around this is wonderful. I'll be here every year."